The History, Legends and Symbolism of The Horse

The Horse symbolizes success, freedom, travel, strength, power, nobility, wisdom and loyalty. It is also a symbol of life and death, grace and beauty.

The Horse represents courage, speed and endurance. It is said that a horse can bring career success and good reputation. As a symbol of loyalty, devotion, and unquestioning love and faith in his human companion; The Horse is also your warrior spirit - the brave fighter who brings you safely home in your journeys.

As a Celtic symbol the Horse was associated with war and fertility. With war, comes victory, domination, long life, and the wealth that comes with the triumph in battle. All of these aspects of valor and victory were associated with the Horse in Celtic symbolism.

The Horse- Goddess, Epona was a protector of horses, donkeys, and mules. In Celtic tradition she governs the life cycle of birth, death, the afterlife, and rebirth; thus, Horse medicine is often associated with these aspects.

The Greco-Romans also associated the Horse with the spoils of war and attributed the qualities of power, victory, honor, domination and virility with this potent animal symbol.

In Greco-Roman myth, the Horse is said to be created by Poseidon (Neptune) and is devoted to Hades (Pluto) and Ares (Mars).

Romans also believed the Horse to be a symbol of the continuity of life, and would sacrifice a horse to the god Mars every October, keeping its tail through the winter as a sign of fertility and rebirth.

The Horse is a Chinese Zodiac Symbol, it is equated with the Gemini. It represents: strength and power; usually vanity (if a woman), war and chivalry (if a male) practicality, love, endurance, devotion and stability.

As a Native American Symbol, Shamans are often pictured flying on mythical horses, and Horses represent coping through adversity.

The color of a Horse is very important in determining its symbolic meaning.
White Horses The winged or white Horse is a symbol of light, life and spiritual illumination. Most sacred Horses are White.

During the Middle Ages, virgin heroes, saints, and Christ were depicted riding upon White Horses. At the end of the age, Christ and His heavenly armies arrive, mounted on White Horses (Rev 19:11-15).

In Buddhism, a White winged horse is often depicted carrying the Book of Law. The Buddha is said to have left this physical plane riding a sacred White Horse.

The Cosmic Horse is also white and is an incarnation of Quan Yin

In Hindu, the Horse is linked to Varuna and as such, is equated to the cosmos. Additionally, a white horse is believed to be the last incarnation of Vishnu.

However, to dream of a White Horse is considered an omen of death.

A Black Horse, indicates impending death, destruction, Satan, and evil influences. Traitors, magicians, and the devil are often disguised as knights riding on Black Horses.

A White Horse teamed with a Black Horse symbolizes life and death. The Greeks represented the dueling aspects of the soul with a chariot pulled by a team of Horses. One of the horses is patient and sensible (White) while the other horse is impulsive and disobedient (Black). The rebellious horse attempts to thwart the driver and hinder his teammate on their journey towards heaven or "perfection".

Sources: whatsyoursign.com, www.princtonal.com